Industrial Gloves Market Assessment, By Product [Disposable Gloves, Reusable Gloves], By Material [Rubber, Vinyl, Neoprene, Polyethylene, Spectra Fiber, Others], By Coating [Flat Nitrile, Micropore Foam Nitrile, Latex, Other] By End-use Industry [Pharmace

Industrial Gloves Market Assessment, By Product [Disposable Gloves, Reusable Gloves], By Material [Rubber, Vinyl, Neoprene, Polyethylene, Spectra Fiber, Others], By Coating [Flat Nitrile, Micropore Foam Nitrile, Latex, Other] By End-use Industry [Pharmaceuticals, Automotive and Transportation, Food and Beverages, Oil and Gas, Mining, Chemicals, Others], By Sales Channel [Direct, Indirect], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global industrial gloves market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.85% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 10.83 billion in 2023 to USD 21.34 billion in 2031. The market thrives at a strong growth rate due to stringent occupational safety policies and rising awareness of health hazards.

Industrial safety has become crucial over the years due to higher awareness and government compliance. The focus on worker safety from chemical labs to the manufacturing spaces fuels the industrial safety gear industry including the global industrial gloves market. Industrial gloves with better grip, thickness, inner liners, and specific features such as electrostatic discharge, chemical resistance, and cut resistance have been developed due to advancements in materials and production techniques. Cut-resistant gloves comprising Kevlar, Dyneema, and stainless-steel fibers are in high demand from industries including manufacturing, construction, and metalworking to protect workers from cuts and punctures. To reach new customers worldwide, businesses are expanding their sales channels through e-commerce and other platforms.

With the rising number of accidents in the workspace, the concerned authorities are introducing different guidelines to ensure workplace safety. Other than compliances and policies, companies are experimenting with different glove designs, materials, and new manufacturing technology. Advanced glove technology comprises the advanced knitting technique, making the glove highly safe with better cushioning, shock reduction, and thermal insulation.

For instance, in October 2023, Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd., a flat knitting technologist showcased its new glove knitting technology at A+A 2023 with safety, security, and health at Work International Trade Fair in Düsseldorf. These technologies comprise the SPG-R pile and the prototype SFG-R next-generation glove knitting machines. Pile gloves are well-known, particularly in the realm of industrial safety, for their unique qualities of cushioning, shock reduction, thermal insulation, and cold protection.

Sustainable Gloves and Customization to Fuel Market Growth

In response to worries about the environmental impact of gloves, there is a shift in the manufacturing process towards the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials for industrial gloves. Innovation in industrial hand gloves is being driven by developments in material technology, which has resulted in the creation of gloves with improved grip, greater flexibility, higher chemical resistance, and improved heat resistance. Glove manufacturers are catering to worker preferences, industry needs, and size, fit, color, and branding by providing customized glove solutions. Customization enables producers to provide specialized solutions that satisfy certain industry demands, including those related to grip patterns, resistance levels, coatings, and sizes. It guarantees that gloves are made specifically to meet the needs and hazards of workers across a range of sectors. The new glove vendors are producing sustainable gloves, using sustainable materials.

For instance, in June 2023, Unigloves Ltd. launched a new sustainable gloves range. The company introduced these gloves as a part of its eco-conscious hand protection solutions. The company uses recycled plastics to produce these gloves. In addition to providing mechanical, cut, and impact protection, the new Nitrex RP sustainable glove line uses less plastic packaging, water, CO2, and polyesters derived from virgin oil. Every product in the new range is tested and certified to EN388 standards, making it ideal for industrial sectors where cut and abrasion risks are common, such as automotive, glass, construction, engineering, transport, and logistics.

Stringent Government Policies and Compliances to Fuel the Global Market Expansion

The higher adoption of industrial gloves is due to the involvement of the government agencies that look for violation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) introduces and revises the safety standards according to the industries and risks involved. Sufficient hand protection is a necessity. It is the responsibility of employers to supply PPE needed for employees to do their duties safely. Of course, a part of this is keeping all the gloves necessary to shield each worker's hands stocked. OSHA standards for hand safety comprise two elements, general requirements [1910.138 (a)] and selection [1910.138(b)]. General requirement asks employers to select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection to protect them against severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes. However, the selection clause talks about the selection of the appropriate hand protection. Hence, key players launch customized gloves for specific work, leading to the growth of the market.

For instance, in April 2023, Pyramex Safety Products LLC. launched GL3000 series arc flash protection gloves. Two new glove alternatives in the series are made to be highly dexterous, comfortable, and fit. They are intended to offer the best protection possible for people whose jobs involve the risk of an arc flash incident.

Wide Range of Applications and Higher Durability Fuel Reusable Segmental Growth

Reusable gloves hold the major share in the global industrial gloves market. Reusable gloves are designed to withstand repeated use and cleaning, making them a cost-effective option for industries where gloves are used extensively. Reusable gloves provide superior protection against chemicals, abrasion, and corrosion, ensuring the safety of workers in various industrial settings. Reusable gloves are ideal for auto mechanics and manufacturing. These gloves are more resistant to dangers such as extreme heat, cuts, water, intense cold, oil, and corrosive chemicals. Other than automotive, oil and gas, and mining sectors fuel the segmental growth for reusable industrial gloves.

For instance, in September 2023, the Lebon Group launched its new range of protective gloves for the automotive industry. Its latest line of protective gloves is called GreenProtech. a comprehensive line of seven bi-polymer protective gloves built on the BFR Technology coating from LEBON. Great dexterity, a second skin effect, and exceptional durability are provided by GreenProtech. It uses SCREENTECH technology, which makes it possible to use touchscreen devices without removing the protective gloves. These protective gloves are made from an eco-friendly water-based material.

North America Dominates Industrial Gloves Market

The expanding industries such as automotive, food and beverages, chemical, and oil and gas are enabling the utilization of gloves. The robust governmental framework ensures the safety of employees at work in the United States through the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and in Canada by enacting equivalent laws. These rules enforce penalties on employers who fail to comply and mandate the upkeep of a secure work environment. Industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation, which are considered high-risk, play a significant role in the economic growth of North America. The variety necessitates the implementation of more stringent safety protocols to minimize hazards and prevent accidents. In North America, leading corporations prioritize safety in the workplace to maintain worker satisfaction, reduce turnover, and increase efficiency. The allocation of resources and the development of comprehensive safety standards reflect in the commitment. Additionally, there is an emphasis on producing safety gloves domestically to further strengthen the North American economy.

For instance, in March 2024, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a notice to industry to offer an estimate of government PPE demand as part of the make Personal Protective Equipment in America Act. The long-term viability of the domestic gloves manufacturing sector is supported by the federal government's implementation of procurement programs and advancement of Made in America goals.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The adoption of sustainable materials, cut-resistant gloves, and other technological advancements are expected to propel the market growth.

Robust government compliance and policies around workplace safety are expected to garner market growth.

Industrial expansion including automotive, FMCG, and oil and gas sectors is anticipated to expand the industrial gloves market size.

Automation in glove manufacturing has enabled customization and effective design, transforming the global market landscape.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key participants in the industrial gloves market include working on delivering sustainable, biodegradable gloves for a lower carbon footprint effect. Alongside, strategic partnerships, collaboration, acquisitions, and product launches are used as the major elements of the market’s strategic landscape.

For instance, in January 2024, Kimberly-Clark Corporation launched Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Gloves for a highly protective lab. The exceptional strength and protection of these gloves are matched by their exceptional comfort and dexterity. They have the United States ergonomics accreditation, which attests to the fact that the gloves provide quantifiable ergonomic advantages to the wearer by enhancing fit and comfort and lowering injury risk factors.

In March 2023, Australian Gloves firm, Ansell Limited invested USD 80 million in its new manufacturing site in India. By the end of 2024, the plant is expected to become completely operational.